Put districts to a vote | The Salt Lake Tribune

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Re "Historic districts in SLC could be set by popular vote" (Tribune, Sept. 30):

Heaven forbid that the majority of people impacted by creation of an historic district have a voice in such a decision.

Kirk Huffaker, executive director of the Utah Heritage Foundation, says that such power should rest only with the Salt Lake City Council.

Past Yalecrest community council chairman Jon Dewey says that allowing such a vote would set "a dangerous precedent."

Councilman Luke Garrott laments that a popular citizen vote against an historic district means the City Council would be politically influenced to respect the majority view.

That attitude is exactly the problem: We can't let people decide. They are not enlightened as are we, their leaders. The people just need to keep quiet, and we'll decide for them what is best.

If historic districts were such a good idea, proponents would not fear a vote.

Dale Zabriskie

Salt Lake City